Second bird found in Marin with West Nile Virus

A second bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Marin County this year, the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed Friday.

The bird, an American crow, was found near Alameda del Prado and Calle Arboleda in Novato.

District officials encouraged residents to eliminate any standing water that may have accumulated after recent rains. Potential problem areas are rain barrels, old tires, buckets, kiddie pools and any other vessel that can hold water for more than a week.

Mosquito fish are available at the district office — 595 Helman Lane in Cotati — to be stocked in backyard ponds or other permanent water features.

District officials said recent unseasonal rains and the sudden rise in temperatures increased the potential for mosquito production and virus activity.

They advised residents to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors at dusk and dawn. The repellent should contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.